Theft at Calgary military museums

[David Tremain]

I presume this is what used to be called the 'Museum of the Regiments'.

Canada – Theft spree targets veterans’ museum
February 10, 2011 – 09:57
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/theft-spree...13000-806.html

Roughly 100 display items have been stolen from The Military Museums
in a theft spree that has devastated those within the institution,
Metro has learned.
War memorabilia such as badges, medals and belts were among the
possessions taken between August and December of last year, said
executive director Tom Doucette.

“It’s substantial, it’s devastating,” he said.

“Hopefully those that are involved will be brought to justice accordingly.”

Calgary police confirm one individual was charged in late January with
possession of stolen property over $5,000 in relation to the thefts;
however, the investigation is ongoing.

Doucette said some of the stolen items have been recovered and the
museums are now in the process of alerting the public and those who
donated the items.

Bobbie Petersen, branch secretary at the Ogden Legion, was saddened
upon learning of the thefts.

“They have given their all for the general public, the people of
Canada,” she said of the veterans honoured in the museums.

“It just irritates the hell out of me. I have absolutely no respect
for people that have nothing better to do with their time than to go
and take from the Add community.”

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/theft-spree...13000-806.html

[barriefield-brian]

Wonder why it took four months to discover somethings missing? Inside job? Cheers Brian

[Mike]

I guess some of this material has now been sold to unsuspecting collectors due to that delay?

[geezer#199]

Lets hope that they got the lions share of it back when they laid the charges and maybe if the thief has a conscience told them where the rest of it went.

One can only hope.

Jack

[WJ Miller]

I caught part of an interview on CBC radio this morning with someone from the Museum (I didn't catch the name). Apparently the items had been laid out in an area for accessioning and at first they thought the items were "lost" (I hope he meant misplaced). Anyway, it sounds like the items were in an area not accessible to the general public. This spokesperson was being quite vague with details as it is clearly still under investigation and the police have already recovered some items, but as the suspect is only being charged with possession of stolen items it is quite clear they do not have the thief (thieves).

The Museum spokesperson also said that a list of the missing items would be on their website today, however as of 2pm (Mountain) there was nothing posted...
http://www.themilitarymuseums.ca/

[Bill A]

It would certainly be useful if the general public had an idea of what was missing. Moving stolen goods is done lightning fast these days, and any dallying gives the perpetrators more time to dispose of the material. As if they hadn't had time enough anyways...

[QSAMIKE]

Just a quick note...... They have been able to recover some of the items already.......

Mike

[paj1]

Thats a sad story lets hope as many items as possible are recovered and
returned to the museums where they belong
paj1

[WJ Miller]

The list of stolen items has now been posted on the Military Museums website.
Quite a long list of pilfered medals!

http://www.themilitarymuseums.ca/media-missing-property

[Bill A]

Thanks for the link. Some of the material will be easy to recover, should it be offered on the open market. Other things...likely gone for good.

[WJ Miller]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgar...ft-charge.html


From the CBC website:
Military museum volunteer, 81, charged for stolen property

An 81-year-old man has been charged in connection to a theft at the Military Museums in Calgary.

Almost 600 items were stolen from the museum between August and December of 2010, but only about 60 pieces have been recovered.

They included sets of medals, badges and belts and range in value up to $2,500.

George Lonsdale has been charged with possession of stolen property. Lonsdale was a volunteer at the museum for 15 years.

[Brian Conyngham]

Guys

A similar theft took place out here in SA, the curator had a drinking problem and sold off items to feed his habit!

Brian

[Vix Steel]

Very sad to hear but I suspect this happens a lot all over. Who hasnt heard about donated items vanishing or items being lost while in storage.

I know the small 1 or 2 room museums dont seem to have a great inventory or security system in place. I always thought most were run by volunteers anyways.

However, crazy to think an 81 yr old man would do this and what might have he also grabbed in his 15 yrs as a volunteer.